Michiel de Ruyter
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Date: 11-08-1665
Michiel de Ruyter was a Dutch admiral and is regarded worldwide as one of the most skilled admirals in history. Born in Vlissingen. He started his naval career at a very young age (11 which was common at the time) and worked his way up through the ranks. On August 11th 1665 de Ruyter became supreme commander of the Dutch Navy and only a year later he got a brand new flagship called "The Seven Provinces". This ship was over 45 meters (150 ft.) in length, carried 80 cannons and a crew of 450. His most notably achievements were during the Anglo-Dutch wars and especially "The Raid on the Medway". In 1667 Admiral the Ruyter and his fleet secretly entered the Chatham Dockyard and used his newly founded Dutch Marinecorps to enter the English ships. These marines sank 13 English ships and humiliated the English even more by capturing their flagship the HMS Royal Charles. De Ruyter brought this ship back to The Netherlands were it was displayed on permanent dry dock as a public attraction. During his career (and after his death) he was loved and considered a hero by seaman, his subordinates, his superiors and the Dutch people. |
The Seven Provinces. De Ruyter's flagship.
(A painting by Koster 1857)
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Did you know?
That de Ruyter was admired by friend and foe? After his death (being hit by a French cannonball near ), his body was brought back to the Netherlands. When the ship passed the French fleet, it is recorded that the French honored him by firing salutes.
That de Ruyter was admired by friend and foe? After his death (being hit by a French cannonball near ), his body was brought back to the Netherlands. When the ship passed the French fleet, it is recorded that the French honored him by firing salutes.
Location:
Chatham is near London, England.
Chatham is near London, England.
